This outstanding, turret-topped Queen Anne home in Preston, Ontario was built in 1899 for local industrialist and politician George A. Clare. George was the president of the Clare Bros. Foundry, which he and his brother grew into a major concern after taking over from their father, who had started the business in 1853 along with partner Jacob Beck. Clare was involved in a number of other local businesses, like Canadian Office & School Furniture and the Preston Car & Coach Co. He began in local politics in 1883, with a term on village council, followed by a couple of terms as reeve. When Preston was incorporated as a town in 1900, he served as it's first mayor. He also served on Waterloo County council and was County Warden in 1895. Moving into Federal politics, he joined the Conservative Party and was elected MP of Waterloo South, serving from 1900 until his death in 1915.
This outstanding, turret-topped Queen Anne home in Preston, Ontario was built in 1899 for local industrialist and politician George A. Clare.
George was the president of the Clare Bros. Foundry, which he and his brother grew into a major concern after taking over from their father, who had started the business in 1853 along with partner Jacob Beck.
Clare was involved in a number of other local businesses, like Canadian Office & School Furniture and the Preston Car & Coach Co.
He began in local politics in 1883, with a term on village council, followed by a couple of terms as reeve. When Preston was incorporated as a town in 1900, he served as it's first mayor. He also served on Waterloo County council and was County Warden in 1895.
Moving into Federal politics, he joined the Conservative Party and was elected MP of Waterloo South, serving from 1900 until his death in 1915.